What makes you happy?

[Emsonline]

What makes you happy in your life? Materialistic or not?

Yesterday I came downstairs to find my two adult DC (home for a pre Christmas night out with their mates ) snuggled up in their pjs watching Elf. We spent the morning all sat round reading the papers, watching telly and drinking tea. It was quiet and unremarkable but having the whole family on our own like that was just perfect.

Going for walks in the woods and meeting waggy, friendly doggies on their walks. So I guess not materialistic!

Being retired.

Having all day, every day, to knit, crochet, do competitions, paint, draw, read, sit in the garden and watch the clouds.
Having a room full of craft and art materials to play with! And learning new crafts.
Being able to watch what l like on tv.
Being able to go to bed and get up when l want.
Having good friends who 'get' me.
My three house rabbits. They're an absolute joy. They make me smile every day.
Chocolate.

purpleface l miss having dogs. l used to love that.

Snuggles with my daughter and partner, a nice bubble bath, funny podcasts, garlic bread, ringing my granny, fireworks, a good workout, getting into a clean bed, watching trashy tv and gossiping with my friends, everything Christmassy.

Lots of things but mostly my friends and family and going out and about to explore our amazing world near and far.

Seeing my kids happy. The morning hug I get from my ds (9) as soon as he gets up, when he sees me he gives me a big smile & gives me the tightest bear hug. The eldest is a teenager so I'm lucky if I get 'a good morning' back from her!

Onesies, can't wait to get into my Harry Potter one at the end of the day, so comfy! My hair when I've just coloured it (although I must admit I'm finding the task of actually doing it myself a bit of a chore now so I don't do it as often as I use to).

I love holidays. It's the only time my DP can switch off from work and we do have a good life but it's the only time he can relax and not worry about work.

He's relaxed, I'm relaxed, we have a laugh and enjoy ourselves. It's what I most look forward too.

Having a really clean, tidy house (rarely happens!).
Knitting
Learning a new language
Re-reading one of my favourite books
Seeing my dc getting on well together
Looking at the view out of my window

Cuddles with my four year old

Green spaces, woodland, countryside (I live in the city).

Really lifts my spirits.

Walking the dog, bliss.

Spending time with loved ones
My Dad responding to me (93 brain damaged following recent stroke)
Grateful clients at work
Shopping
Good food
A few drinks
Losing weight (not easy with the last 2)
A new piece of clothing or jewellery
Fab holiday

The fact that my lovely DS is going to be around lots over Christmas and New Year (he's grown-up and a teacher- term finishes tomorrow).
My DP, the kindest, sweetest, most supportive man in the world.
My cat, the best cat in the world.
Christmas (I love it).
Books and reading.

A cheeseboard

My husband and our dogs. Our little house in the countryside, the peace and quite, our garden and allotment. Our chickens. My noisy little old car. Tea in a bridgewater mug. Just the Christmas tree lights on and nothing else. David Austin Roses and watching gardeners world. Instagram and photography. Future plans.

Sitting watching the sea.

I'm going to retire to a seaside cottage one day.

Ds is now 22 and has been working away a lot recently so it was nice that his job finished a day early and he came home. Great catch up. Nothing out of the ordinary but chatting about work, sport and what we had been up to eas great.

Climbing! Yes and no materialistic. Halfway up a mountain feels totally pure, wholesome, exhilarating happy, but all the kit..££££!!!

And not that it just costs lots on a practical level, but that I totally covet all the lovely gear and gaze at climbing shoes and feel exhilarated when I buy just right technical THING. So bit of column A bit of column B.

Simple things. Clean sheets. Walking the dog,. a cup of coffee from my favourite mug. singing in a group. my dcs emerging from their rooms to talk to me (they are all teenagers) daffodils, matching socks

Well there’s the obvious - my husband and 3 sons pretty much all of whom make me smile everyday (even if they’ve made me rage too, it’s never bad enough to last long).
Also, having the sea at the end of the road.
The vicarious joy watching my dog race exuberantly with her friends...it’s been a new and unexpected pleasure the last couple of years having dog walking friends so both dog & I get to socialise!
And right now, the old Xmas fave making stained glass window biscuits!!

Oh Member - freshly changed bed linen.

The fact that I get to hang out with my family and friends in the next couple weeks 😁😁😁

Great thread OP